Mangalore : State Sports Minister Appachu Ranjan said that government has taken decision to construct a international standard swimming pool in Mangalore in a 2-acre plot dedicated to ‘Vanithavana’ at Hat Hill.

He was speaking at a press meet held at DC Office on September 1, Saturday. He also said that the state government will implement the indoor and outdoor sophisticated stadium in every districts depending upon the sports they are specialized in. Further district in Karnataka will establish a sports school and shopping complexes will be constructed around stadiums to generate income for the development of the stadiums.

Speaking about the coaches of the sports, he said that at present there are 93 coaches in the state and he has sent a proposal before the chief minister to increase number of coaches to 417 for every Taluk.

Speaking on the categories of the coaches, he said that junior coaches will be appointed for the taluks, senior coaches for districts, and joint directors for divisions. Coaches have been increased by their salary up to Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 3000. Around 2 percent reservation will be kept for sports people in government jobs, he said.

Stating on the prize amount for the sport achievers, he said that he has raised the prize amount for the Ekalavya Awards from Rs. 1 lakh to rs 2 lakh from this year and state representatives at the Olympics will be given cash prize of Rs 5 lakh.

Later minister visited Mangala Stadium to inspect synthetic track work.